John Barnes feels Liverpool should not act rashly after missing out ion Marc Guehi, that's despite the Reds' issues at the heart of defense, which were exposed again this weekend
12:03, 26 Jan 2026
Marc Guehi (6 England) goes forward during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K Qualifying match between England and Latvia at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on March 24, 2025.
John Barnes has warned Liverpool not to spend recklessly after missing out on Marc Guehi(Image: Kevin Hodgson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
John Barnes has warned Liverpool against spending recklessly in the transfer market this month, and claimed that “throwing cash at the problem” won’t resolve the ongoing issues at the club.
The Reds’ winless run in the Premier League extended to five games on Saturday as they suffered a 3-2 loss against Bournemouth. Liverpool dropped to sixth in the table over the weekend, with four teams beneath it now within just three points of the reigning champions.
Liverpool’s lack of squad depth was exposed again at Bournemouth, with Arne Slot’s side ending the game at the Vitality with a back four that contained two midfielders and Andy Robertson, who the club considered selling this month.
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That issue is compounded by Marc Guehi making his Manchester City debut on Saturday after the Reds failed to compete for his signing this month.
The England international had been hours away from signing for Liverpool on deadline day last summer, but opted against waiting for the Reds to return with a new offer ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Now, Liverpool is on the lookout for new defensive options, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.
Barnes, the former Liverpool winger, worries the Reds will struggle to find an equivalent replacement in the market.
Marc Guehi of Manchester City gives a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Guehi made his debut for Manchester City on Saturday(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
“Marc Guehi would’ve improved Liverpool’s starting XI,” the 62-year-old told Covers.com. “The center-back position is an area where there is room to strengthen, but there’s no point crying over spilled milk now that he’s made the move to Manchester City.
“In terms of an alternative to Guehi, I don’t think there’s anyone available who would improve on what Liverpool already have at the back.”
Most supporters would like to see Liverpool strengthen in the final week of the January window. With Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni set to miss the remainder of the season, Slot has just six recognized defensive options to choose from.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at Vitality Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Slot is dealing with a host of Liverpool injuries(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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But Barnes has warned that panic buying would be disastrous and has called for a more prudent approach after an extravagant £450 million ($608M) spend on new recruits last summer.
“Liverpool don’t need to sign anyone in January,” opined the ex-England star. “The solution to Liverpool’s problem is not signing more players. The club spent record amounts of money in the summer and they have all the players they need at their disposal.
“There aren’t any realistic transfer targets that are better than what Liverpool already have and the starting XI wouldn’t improve. Throwing cash at the problem isn’t the answer.”